Is the empirical formula for a compound ever the same as its molecular formula? .

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Is the empirical formula for a compound ever the same as its molecular formula? .

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Answer 1 · 2015-11-10T00:06:14

Yes, if the molecular formula is already in its simplest ratio

Explanation:

e.g. Carbon monoxide ( $C O$ $CO$ ) has carbon and oxygen atoms in the ratio $1 : 1$ $1:1$ so it is already as simple as it can be, and the empirical formula is $C O$ $CO$ , the same as the molecular formula.

e.g. Water ( $H_{2} O$ $H_2O$ ) has hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the ratio $2 : 1$ $2:1$ , which is already as simple as it can be and the empirical formula is $H_{2} O$ $H_2O$ , the same as the molecular formula.

e.g. Hydrogen peroxide ( $H_{2} O_{2}$ $H_2O_2$ ) has hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the ratio $2 : 2$ $2:2$ which can be simplified to $1 : 1$ $1:1$ . Therefore, the empirical formula is $H O$ $HO$ , which is different from the molecular formula.

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Is the empirical formula for a compound ever the same as its molecular formula? .

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